8 December 2020 03:34 am
Kanishka Weerasinghe will step down as Director General/Chief Executive Officer of the Employers’ Federation of Ceylon (EFC), early next year.
Weerasinghe, who has cited personal reasons for his decision, will relinquish office after 23 years of distinguished service to the EFC, five of them as Director General.
Credited with strengthening the EFC brand both locally and overseas, his leadership has enabled employers to overcome many challenges over the years, particularly during this crisis period, which includes the implementation of the National Tripartite Agreement to prorate wages. Its implementation has not only sustained enterprises but also ensured the livelihoods of employees.
An expert in the fields of labour law and employment, industrial relations, social dialogue and migration, he is also a fervent promoter of skills development. He was instrumental in setting up the National Data Base on Skills and the formulation of the ‘Skills Passport’ in partnership with the Skills Ministry, during his tenure.
His passion to create opportunities for the country’s youth culminated in the formation of the Employers’ National Network of Youth Initiatives (ENNYI) and its web portal emplowerme.lk.
Weerasinghe will revert to the Private Bar and will continue to represent employer interests. His future undertakings will also include consulting for multi-stakeholders.
A former State Counsel of the Attorney General’s Department, Weerasinghe counts over 28 years in the Bar and has held many concurrent positions at national and international levels, related to the fields of labour and employment, migration and
skills development.